"He's earned it. Obviously, the way he pitched last year, the way he came to camp as a No. 1 guy, his arm feels great and he's ready to go,'' manager Chris Woodward said, according to the Dallas Morning News. "Mike's got a different way about him. He's almost possessed.''

The left-hander finished 12-8 with a 4.18 ERA in 28 starts for the Rangers last season, his first with the team.

He signed a three-year contract with Rangers after the 2017 season when he pitched exclusively in relief for the Kansas City Royals, finishing with a 2.55 ERA in 65 appearances. He began his career as a starter with the Atlanta Braves, going 38-36 in 110 starts from 2010-14 but had shoulder surgery in 2015 and didn't pitch that season or in 2016.

"I've always been labeled a No. 5 or a 3 or a 4. I believe I can be an ace," Minor told reporters Sunday, according to the News.